EXPEDITION AMAZON has just begun! Our small group of Eco-conscious and thrill seeking adventurers - all from central Florida - are prepared to face new challenges in an Extreme Challenge Jungle Expedition Adventure that bears toward the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon basin. Our journey entails the interaction with Ecuador’s native wildlife and indigenous tribes, expanding the limits of discovery!
When we arrived at Quito, Ecuador on Wednesday afternoon, we were escorted by Juan Carlos to Hotel Quito – one of the most prestiges and comfortable hotels in the city. Surprisingly and contrary to the nature of our Trip, we quickly understood that staying there for the first night would be the last pampering event such adventure would offer. As we stepped out of the hotel for a short stroll on the streets, we realized that the adventure has started right there. With all of us living in Florida, at sea level, Quito’s high altitude of 9,184 ft punched us at the chests. We tried to cover up the heaviness we felt, but without much success. Only the activities of the day after made us realize that this afternoon of visiting the old City of Quito was only the opening shot. Each day, endurance requirements grew larger.
On day 2 of our trip, as we started bearing south towards the Cotopaxi glaciered Volcano along the Avenue of Volcanoes in La Cienega, we couldn’t help but feel isolated in this 203 mile-long valley. Located between the major cordillera ranges, the Avenue of Volcanoes stands massive and alone. We were quick to notice that these volcanoes provide a brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. Along the way there were snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, and small villages of fascinating cultures. 
At 19,347 ft above sea level, and rising majestically above the Andean mountains, the Cotopaxi Mountain welcomed our arrival. It is Ecuador’s highest active volcano and one of the most breathtaking volcanoes anywhere in the region. The experience of adjusting to 5 climates at once is quite a rush; the Ice Glacier, Paramo, Andean Temperate, Cloud Forest and the Rainforest are all the variety of seasons we found in just one day. 
As we reached the Cotopaxi national Park we ascended by foot to 16,000 ft in altitude - reaching the José Ribas refuge at the foothill of the Cotopaxi snow-capped glacier. There, we observed its marvels from up-close. It is a difficult task to trek in such high altitudes while climbing in the cold, moisture-freezing weather, but the chance to see its summit on a clear day from such proximity proved to be worthwhile. Fifteen minutes prior to us reaching the glacier foothill, a large section of it has collapsed. We arrived at this area while the snow was still fresh and glimmering – strong evidence to natures’ power, perhaps even to global warming.
At this altitude and inside the perimeter of the park, there were many chances to observe a multitude of wildlife - not visible to the naked eye at first, but then made clear as daylight as we adjusted to the environment. The infamous Condor is one bird life we look for, as well as the Orange-Faced Falcon (Carunculated Caracara) and the Andean seagull (viewed at 4000m and above). The typical mammals frequenting the park are the Andean fox (named Colpeo), which we encountered in close proximity. The red Colepo came in couples, munching the snow and observing us with no rush or reason to run away.
Biking our way down the Volcano, we descended through graveled surfaces and rugged terrain. With our heads still aching from high altitude exposure, such rough mountain bike ride escalated the Extreme experience and was a reminder to the level of endurance we require to perform well on this Eco-Adventure. Going down the side of the Cotopaxi Volcano, through its various climates has proven itself to be one of the first great challenges on the way to the Amazonian basin. 
From this point, it took us 3 hours to drive down the tremendous Western Andes cliffs to Baños, the foothill town of the Tungurahua active Volcano. This colorful and quite town, gave us the comfort and tranquility we all so needed after such a day full of challenges. At this checkpoint, we rested to be briefed on the next day’s plans, checked personal jungle Gear, and prepared ourselves for the next morning flight to the jungle - Where the Jungle expedition begins…
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